April 29, 2018

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  John 15:2 – “Every branch of mine that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”  God is interested in the fruit that we bear in good works, and He even prunes us so that we may bring forth more fruit.  Trusting in our Lord’s work for us, being grafted by grace into His vine, we desire to be more like Him, to grow into His image.  That’s growth in fruit bearing…and it always comes with some pruning.

NEED A RIDE? If you are unable to drive to church, we have an option that is available.  Please speak with Pastor who has the details.  Thank you.

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS will be led by Seminarian Brent Keller at 9:15 a.m. in the church basement.

TODAY, we welcome the Seminary Student, Brent Keller, who we have been supporting this school year.  He is here with his wife, Hannelore, and daughter, Annalise.  Mr. Keller just received his call this past week to Peace Lutheran Church in Alcester, South Dakota.  The Lord’s Blessings to the whole Keller family.

THE CONGREGATION IS INVITED to Holden Lueck’s National Signing Day Ceremony tomorrow, Monday, April 30^th, at 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria at Normal West High School.  Holden is continuing his academic and football career at Olivet Nazarene University.  Cake and refreshments will follow.

ASCENSION DAY WORSHIP with Holy Communion will be on Thursday, May 10^th at 7:00 p.m.

ADULT INSTRUCTION CLASS will begin on May 14^th, at 7:00 p.m.  The class will run on Mondays through the end of June (taking off on Memorial Day) and lasts about an hour each evening.  This class is designed for non-members who would like to learn more about the Lutheran Church and its teachings.  It is also a good refresher course for members.  If you know of someone you would like Pastor to invite please call him at (309) 838-0306 or e-mail him at: revbci@yahoo.com.

GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES:  World-famous atheist Dr. Sol Harkens (Kevin Sorbo) delights in debating and defeating Christians, but is emotionally empty. Isolated from Katy (Sam Sorbo), the wife he divorced following the harrowing loss of their first son, and a lousy part-time dad to their two younger boys, his self-destruction culminates in a car crash that leaves him clinically dead for four minutes.  The four-word message from that experience challenges his convictions, sending him into a panicked tailspin.  Reluctantly leaning on his family’s forgiveness, love and faith, Sol struggles to find meaning and purpose in the words “LET THERE BE LIGHT”.  Join us Friday, May 18, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. for a great movie, good food and fine fellowship.

FROM THE OFFICE:  If you would like to send a card to our Custodian, Roman Lenart, following his knee replacement surgery, his address is:  305 Carl Dr., Bloomington IL 61704.

FROM THE OFFICE:  Please note that the address for Jack & Ruth Gooding has changed to: Evergreen Place, 801 Gregory, Apt. 210, Normal, IL 61761.

GROUP OUTING FOR BASEBALL GAME:  Good Shepherd is planning a group outing at a Normal CornBelters game on Sunday, June 10^th. Game time is 6:05 p.m.  Tickets are $10.00 per person and will include a reserved box seat and a concession voucher that can be used for a hot dog, small drink and bag of chips.  Good Shepherd’s own Katey Parry will sing the national anthem and Pastor Lueck will throw out a first pitch.  For more information or to buy tickets, contact Randy Reinhardt at (309) 826-0448 or randyreinhardt1@gmail.com

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  We have a big weekend planned this summer so please get these dates on your calendar.  Saturday, July 14^th, we will host a Red Cross Blood Drive from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with breakfast served.  Sunday, July 15^th, we will have one worship service outside under a tent at 9:00 a.m. to celebrate and thank God for having paid half of the cost of our building.  Sunday School and Bible Class will convene inside at 10:15 a.m.

MARK YOU CALENDAR:  The date for our Annual Church Picnic has been set!  It will be held on Sunday, August 19^th.  More information to follow.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Love One Another as I Have Loved You”.  The sermon text will be from John 15:9-17.  Jesus calls His followers to be different as they deal with difficult people.  The speaker will be Reverend Dr. Dale A. Meyer.  Hear his message on The Lutheran Hour on WGN (720) at 6:00 a.m.; WJWR (104.7 FM) and WJWR (90.3 FM) both on Sunday at 3:00 p.m.  Also, if you can receive Lincoln, IL radio station WLLM (1370 AM) the program is broadcast two times on Sunday at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.  Tune in!  You can also listen to The Lutheran Hour on your personal computer at RealAudio, www.lhm.org.

 FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE:  If you miss church, please be reminded that copies of the previous week’s sermon are available on the table in the narthex.  Also, the sermon will be available on our web site at www.goodshepherdblm.org.  Thank you.

 PRAYER CHAIN:  If you have a prayer request please submit them by email to Mary Anne Kirchner at makirchner@yahoo.com or you may phone a Prayer Request to Mary Anne; her cell phone# is (309) 532-2582.  The Prayer Request box is on the table in the narthex for any written requests.

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April 22, 2018

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  John 10:14 – “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me.”  What does it mean to know the Lord?  It starts with being known by the Lord: He claims us as His own and calls us by name. Then, once we are His, we learn to know Him…and in knowing Him we learn to imitate Him. And that is how the Christian life of good works and generosity grows from the Lord’s grace.

NEED A RIDE? If you are unable to drive to church, we have an option that is available.  Please speak with Pastor who has the details.  Thank you.

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m. As we celebrate the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation we continue studies on that time period.  We are studying “A Man Named Martin”, a video-based study on the reformer Martin Luther.

TODAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the MAY NEWSLETTER.  Janet Evans is our Editor for the church newsletter and any announcements you want to be published in the Newsletter should be submitted to her at goodshepherdblm@frontier.com or you may call her at (309) 838-1552.

NEXT SUNDAY: Next Sunday, April 29^th, we are privileged to have with us the seminary student we have been supporting this school year.  Brent Keller will be here with his family to preach and conduct Bible Class.  Because of his presence we will have our May door offering next Sunday instead.  Keep Brent in your prayers as he receives his call this week.  Also, be reminded that this is  the 5^th Sunday so Holy Communion will be celebrated in both worship services.

FROM THE OFFICE:  If you would like to send a card to our Custodian, Roman Lenart, following his knee replacement surgery, his address is:  305 Carl Dr., Bloomington IL 61704.

FROM THE OFFICE:  Please note that the address for Jack & Ruth Gooding has changed to: Evergreen Place, 801 Gregory, Apt. 210, Normal, IL 61761

FROM THE OFFICE:     The new Church Directory is available on the table in the narthex.  Please pick up your copy today.

FROM OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES:  Because we no longer have the Soccer Club our lawn mowing budgeted for 2018 is $500.00 short of the bid the Board of Trustees have been working on.  If you would like to contribute to this, mark your contribution accordingly and thank you!

GROUP OUTING FOR BASEBALL GAME:  Good Shepherd is planning a group outing at a Normal CornBelters game on Sunday, June 10^th. Game time is 6:05 p.m.  Tickets are $10.00 per person and will include a reserved box seat and a concession voucher that can be used for a hot dog, small drink and bag of chips.  Good Shepherd’s own Katey Parry will sing the national anthem and Pastor Lueck will throw out a first pitch.  For more information or to buy tickets, contact Randy Reinhardt at (309) 826-0448 or randyreinhardt1 @gmail.com

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  We have a big weekend planned this summer so please get these dates on your calendar.  Saturday, July 14^th, we will host a Red Cross Blood Drive from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with breakfast served.  Sunday, July 15^th, we will have one worship service outside under a tent at 9:00 a.m. to celebrate and thank God for having paid half of the cost of our building.  Sunday School and Bible Class will convene inside at 10:15 a.m.

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The April – June Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today.

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  In order to get more people involved in our Coffee/Donut Fellowship for 2018 we have two separate sign-ups: Donut Pick-up and Coffee Set-up.  We would like to encourage you to sign-up for one or the other.  You may also sign-up for both if you wish.  The sign-up is by the door by the north stairwell.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “The Answer to Unhappiness” What do you really want? What does your heart yearn for most? A blogger recently asked her readers the question: “If you could say in one word what you want more of in life, what would that be?” Can you guess the number one answer? It was happiness. (Acts 8:26-40)  The speaker is Rev. Michael Newman.  Hear his message on The Lutheran Hour on WGN (720) at 6:00 a.m.; WJWR (104.7 FM) and WJWR (90.3 FM) both on Sunday at 3:00 p.m.  Also, if you can receive Lincoln, IL radio station WLLM (1370 AM) the program is broadcast two times on Sunday at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.  Tune in!  You can also listen to The Lutheran Hour on your personal computer at RealAudio, www.lhm.org.

 FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE:  If you miss church, please be reminded that copies of the previous week’s sermon are available on the table in the narthex.  Also, the sermon will be available on our web site at www.goodshepherdblm.org.  Thank you.

 PRAYER CHAIN:  If you have a prayer request please submit them by email to Mary Anne Kirchner at makirchner@yahoo.com or you may phone a Prayer Request to Mary Anne; her cell phone# is (309) 532-2582.  The Prayer Request box is on the table in the narthex for any written requests.

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April 15, 2018

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  1 John 3:2 – “Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.”  There is the essence of our sanctification: becoming like our Lord.  As St. John notes, this will only be completed in the Resurrection.  But until then we are called to trust His grace and to grow into His image more and more.

NEED A RIDE? If you are unable to drive to church, we have an option that is available.  Please speak with Pastor who has the details.  Thank you.

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m. As we celebrate the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation we continue studies on that time period.  We are studying “A Man Named Martin”, a video-based study on the reformer Martin Luther.

NEXT SUNDAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the MAY NEWSLETTER.  Janet Evans is our Editor for the church newsletter and any announcements you want to be published in the Newsletter should be submitted to her at goodshepherdblm@frontier.com or you may call her at (309) 838-1552.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  Good Shepherd is once again privileged to serve a “Talk Time Meal” to International Students on the campus of Illinois State University.  We will do this on this coming Friday, April 20^th at 6:30 p.m.  To sign-up to prepare and serve the meal look for the sign-up sheet in the narthex.

FROM THE OFFICE:  If you would like to send a card to our Custodian, Roman Lenart, following his knee replacement surgery, his address is:  305 Carl Dr., Bloomington IL 61704.

FROM OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES:  Because we no longer have the Soccer Club our lawn mowing budgeted for 2018 is $500.00 short of the bid the Board of Trustees have been working on.  If you would like to contribute to this, mark your contribution accordingly and thank you!

“WALK FOR LIFE”:  Pastor and Toni will once again participate in the Pregnancy Resource Center’s “Walk For Life” this coming Saturday, April 21^st.  The Walk will be held at Christ Church, PCA in Normal.  If you would like to pledge a dollar amount to their walk or if you would like to walk please speak with Pastor.  Thank you!

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  We have a big weekend planned this summer so please get these dates on your calendar.  Saturday, July 14^th, we will host a Red Cross Blood Drive with breakfast served.  Sunday, July 15^th, we will have one worship service outside under a tent at 9:00 a.m. to celebrate and thank God for having paid half of the cost of our building.  Sunday School and Bible Class will convene inside at 10:15 a.m.

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The April – June Portals of Payer are available on the book rack in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today.

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  In order to get more people involved in our Coffee/Donut Fellowship for 2018 we have two separate sign-ups: Donut Pick-up and Coffee Set-up.  We would like to encourage you to sign-up for one or the other.  You may also sign-up for both if you wish.  The sign-up is by the door by the north stairwell.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “What’s In a Name?” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Acts 1:42.  We live in a disposable age.  If something wears out, breaks down or is lost, we replace it.  But who or what can replace Jesus?  Who else can sae us?  Reverend Dr. Ken Klaus is the speaker.  Hear his message on The Lutheran Hour on WGN (720) at 6:00 a.m.; WJWR (104.7 FM) and WJWR (90.3 FM) both on Sunday at 3:00 p.m.  Also, if you can receive Lincoln, IL radio station WLLM (1370 AM) the program is broadcast two times on Sunday at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.  Tune in!  You can also listen to The Lutheran Hour on your personal computer at RealAudio, www.lhm.org.

FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE:  If you miss church, please be reminded that copies of the previous week’s sermon are available on the table in the narthex.  Also, the sermon will be available on our web site at www.goodshepherdblm.org.  Thank you.

PRAYER CHAIN:  If you have a prayer request please submit them by email to Mary Anne Kirchner at makirchner@yahoo.com or you may phone a Prayer Request to Mary Anne; her cell phone# is (309) 532-2582.  The Prayer Request box is on the table in the narthex for any written requests.

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April 8, 2018

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  John 20:19 – “Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.’ ”  The peace we have in Jesus is what makes a life of good works possible.  Since we know that it is Jesus who saved us, and not our works, we are now free to do good works not out of self-interest, but for the right reasons: out of thanksgiving toward God and love for our neighbors.

NEED A RIDE? If you are unable to drive to church, we have an option that is available.  Please speak with Pastor who has the details.  Thank you.

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m. As we celebrate the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation we continue studies on that time period.  We are studying “A Man Named Martin”, a video-based study on the reformer Martin Luther.

TODAY is our Offering for Seminarian Brent Keller.  Mr. Keller and his family will with us on Sunday, April 29^th.  He will preach and conduct Bible Class on that day.

APRIL FAMILY MOVE NIGHT:  “The Stray” tells the true story of a dog who saves a struggling family in more ways than one.  “Pluto” comes out of nowhere and quickly makes himself at home with the Davis Family, who are on the brink of falling apart.  In just a short time, Pluto the “wonder dog” manages to save a lost toddler, bring comfort and companionship to a hurting nine-year-old boy, helps to restore a marriage and repair a broken father-son relationship. Pluto is not only a guard dog – he’s a guardian angel.  Join us this coming Friday, April 13^th, for another great movie, fine food and wonderful fellowship.

FROM OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES:  Because we no longer have the Soccer Club our lawn mowing budgeted for 2018 is $500.00 short of the bid the Board of Trustees have been working on.  If you would like to contribute to this, mark your contribution accordingly and thank you!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  Good Shepherd is once again privileged to serve a “Talk Time Meal” to International Students on the campus of Illinois State University.  We will do this on Friday, April 20^th at 6:30 p.m.  To sign-up to prepare and serve the meal look for the sign-up sheet in the narthex.

“WALK FOR LIFE”:  Pastor and Toni will once again participate in the Pregnancy Resource Center’s “Walk For Life” on Saturday, April 21^st.  The Walk will be held at Christ Church, PCA in Normal.  If you would like to pledge a dollar amount to their walk or if you would like to walk please speak with Pastor.  Thank you!

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  We have a big weekend planned this summer so please get these dates on your calendar.  Saturday, July 14^th, we will host a Red Cross Blood Drive with breakfast served.  Sunday, July 15^th, we will have one worship service outside under a tent at 9:00 a.m. to celebrate and thank God for having paid half of the cost of our building.  Sunday School and Bible Class will convene inside at 10:15 a.m.

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The April – June Portals of Payer are available on the book rack in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today.

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  In order to get more people involved in our Coffee/Donut Fellowship for 2018 we have two separate sign-ups: Donut Pick-up and Coffee Set-up.  We would like to encourage you to sign-up for one or the other.  You may also sign-up for both if you wish.  The sign-up is by the door by the north stairwell.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Peace To You” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Luke 24:36-49  Christians often say, “The Lord be with you”.  What does that look like?  And how do you know Jesus is indeed with you?  Jesus’ visit to His first disciples shows us the how and what of confidence in Christ.  Reverend Dr. Dale A. Meyer is the speaker.  Hear his message on The Lutheran Hour on WGN (720) at 6:00 a.m.; WJWR (104.7 FM) and WJWR (90.3 FM) both on Sunday at 3:00 p.m.  Also, if you can receive Lincoln, IL radio station WLLM (1370 AM) the program is broadcast two times on Sunday at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.  Tune in!  You can also listen to The Lutheran Hour on your personal computer at RealAudio, www.lhm.org.

FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE:  If you miss church, please be reminded that copies of the previous week’s sermon are available on the table in the narthex.  Also, the sermon will be available on our web site at www.goodshepherdblm.org.  Thank you.

PRAYER CHAIN:  If you have a prayer request please submit them by email to Mary Anne Kirchner at makirchner@yahoo.com or you may phone a Prayer Request to Mary Anne; her cell phone# is (309) 532-2582.  The Prayer Request box is on the table in the narthex for any written requests.

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